Mateo x Karla Welch x Sarah Paulson x Ruth Negga
The second campaign from RAD x De Beers Group’s BLACK IS BRILLIANT features Matthew Harris of MATEO, a New York-based designer from Jamaica known for a uniquely minimalist design sensibility inspired by modern art. His work is exceptionally chic, timeless, and affordable.
Mateo collaborated with Super Radvocate stylist, KARLA WELCH, who joined us once again by using her platform to give deserving designers both REPRESENTATION + VISIBILITY on the red carpet and in her social media. Their creative journey resulted in Mateo’s one-of-a-kind “Floating” earrings, which SARAH PAULSON wore to the 2021 EMMY AWARDS, and a beautiful necklace, which RUTH NEGGA wore as a headpiece to the GOTHAM INDEPENDENT FILM AWARDS.
“The statement earrings were inspired by the works of painter Wassily Kandinsky. I particularly adore the piece entitled ‘Floating.’ Brilliant ovals and round Botswana diamonds were set in 18kt gold to appear to be floating on one's ear. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” - Mateo
Sarah brought these spectacular earrings featuring 15 carats of sustainably sourced DE BEERS GROUP DIAMONDS FROM BOTSWANA to life in a cultural moment designed to amplify Black Excellence, honor Black Heritage and demonstrate that a world with ethical and sustainable practices is both fashionable and possible.
“This beautiful convertible necklace/headpiece was also inspired by Kandinsky, using the simple, clean lines that defined his abstract art. Not much is needed to enhance these natural beauties. Solid 18kt gold is handcrafted to hug each diamond with love. Here at Mateo New York, we believe simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” - Mateo
Watch Mateo x Karla’s collaboration
“The fact that De Beers Group has been mining in Africa for so long, for me, meant that they were doing something right and something good to still be there and to be doing it ethically.” - Mateo
Watch Mateo talk about his journey as a self-taught designer and what inspires his creations…
De Beers Group Diamonds from Botswana are not only ethically sourced, but also EMPOWER THEIR NATION AND ITS PEOPLE. De Beers Group is deeply committed to elevating and enriching the country of Botswana. One of its many practices include educating and hiring local talent across the organization.
More than 90% of De Beers Group employees in Botswana are from Botswana and the majority of these employees— from mine managers and engineers to doctors and senior leadership — are WOMEN!
In a RAD New World, FASHION + PURPOSE create outstanding beauty and IMPACT for others. To further that impact, we asked each of our talent partners to also select non-profit organization(s) that empower Black excellence to benefit from donations made by De Beers Group. Karla, Sarah and Ruth, much like De Beers Group, are passionate about supporting girl’s education and the empowerment of women to define their own development strategies. They chose One Girl Can Society and African Women Rising to benefit from the generous donations by De Beers Group.
ONE GIRL CAN empowers girls in Kenya through school scholarships and mentoring to break the cycle of poverty and to help achieve gender equality.
AFRICAN WOMEN RISING empowers women after war by providing technical skills and support for success via education, agriculture, and microfinance training.
This layered approach to advocacy and impact is designed to collectively AMPLIFY BLACK VOICES + TALENT.
We thank Mateo, Karla, Sarah and Ruth for being RAD with us and we invite you to join us in supporting Mateo New York, buying jewelry that features ethically and sustainably sourced diamonds from African nations including Botswana, Namibia and South Africa and getting involved with the two charities above that are dedicated to supporting Black women and girls.